D23 2026 Just Changed the Future of Disney — Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar & the X-Men Take Over

Disney just gave fans a massive glimpse into the future, and D23 2026 may have delivered one of the most exciting Disney showcases yet.

At the sold-out Disney Entertainment Showcase at the Honda Center, Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro welcomed thousands of fans for a night filled with surprise appearances, exclusive footage, new trailers, major announcements and unforgettable performances.

From Marvel and the X-Men to Star Wars, Pixar, Disney Animation and Disney+, there was something for virtually every Disney fan.

And honestly, we are already counting down the days.

Marvel Finally Reveals Its New X-Men

One of the biggest moments of the night came when Marvel Studios revealed the cast of its highly anticipated new X-Men film.

Sadie Sink took the stage as Jean Grey, before director Jake Schreier introduced the rest of the new mutant lineup.

Sadie Sink — Jean Grey

The Stranger Things star is taking on one of Marvel’s most powerful and complicated characters.

Sink has already shown incredible dramatic range, and seeing her bring Jean Grey into the MCU has us seriously excited. If Marvel plans to explore Jean’s enormous power and emotional complexity, Sink feels like an actor who can absolutely rise to the challenge.

Kit Connor — Cyclops

Kit Connor is stepping into the role of Scott Summers, better known as Cyclops.

Known for Heartstopper, Connor brings charisma, intensity and plenty of screen presence to one of the X-Men’s most recognizable leaders.

We cannot wait to see his take on Cyclops and watch him potentially grow into one of the MCU’s major heroes.

Christopher Abbott — Professor X

Christopher Abbott has been cast as Professor Charles Xavier.

It’s a fascinating choice for one of the most important characters in X-Men history. Abbott’s dramatic experience could bring a very different energy to the legendary mutant mentor.

Samara Weaving — Emma Frost

This casting has us particularly excited.

Samara Weaving, known for Ready or Not, will play Emma Frost, a character famous for her confidence, intelligence and powerful telepathic abilities.

We can already imagine Weaving stealing scenes as Emma.

Inde Navarrette — Rogue

Inde Navarrette will portray Rogue, one of the most beloved characters in X-Men history.

Rogue’s powers and complicated relationships have made her a fan favorite for decades, and we’re incredibly curious to see how Marvel introduces her into the MCU.

Maya Boyd — Storm

Maya Boyd takes on the iconic role of Storm, one of the most powerful mutants in Marvel history.

Storm has enormous potential in the MCU, and we’re excited to see Boyd put her own stamp on the character.

Adam Driver Joins the X-Men Story

In another surprise, Adam Driver revealed that he will play Nathaniel Milbury.

The mysterious character adds another intriguing piece to Marvel’s new mutant storyline.

The untitled X-Men movie is scheduled to hit theaters on May 5, 2028.

After this casting reveal, we’re officially ready for the MCU’s mutant era.

Avengers: Doomsday Gets Fans Even More Hyped

Marvel wasn’t finished.

Kevin Feige was joined by Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and Hayley Atwell for a special look at Avengers: Doomsday.

Robert Downey Jr. returns to the Marvel universe in a completely different role as Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom, while the film brings together heroes from multiple universes.

With an enormous cast and the Russo Brothers directing, Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be one of Marvel’s biggest cinematic events yet.

Avengers: Doomsday arrives December 18, 2026.

VisionQuest Is Coming to Disney+

Paul Bettany returned as Vision alongside James Spader as Ultron to reveal VisionQuest.

The Disney+ series continues the story that began with WandaVision and Agatha All Along, following Vision as he searches for a new purpose while confronting Ultron and the mysteries surrounding a young boy who may be connected to his past.

VisionQuest premieres October 14, 2026.

Disney’s Biggest Movie Reveals

D23 wasn’t just about Marvel. Disney announced a massive slate of upcoming theatrical releases.

Lilo & Stitch 2

The live-action phenomenon is getting a sequel.

Lilo & Stitch 2 begins production in Hawaiʻi later this year and is scheduled for theaters May 26, 2028.

The Bluey Movie

Bluey is going to the big screen.

Disney debuted the first teaser and poster for The Bluey Movie, with Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli heading into an adventure that promises plenty of heart and laughs.

The film arrives August 6, 2027.

Ice Age: Boiling Point

The herd is back, and this time they’re dealing with dinosaurs and lava.

Ice Age: Boiling Point hits theaters February 5, 2027.

Tangled Goes Live-Action

Disney’s live-action Tangled is bringing Rapunzel and Flynn Rider to theaters.

Teagan Croft stars as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim plays Flynn Rider.

The film arrives March 31, 2028.

Pixar Has Huge Plans

Pixar also delivered several major announcements.

Incredibles 3 is officially coming, bringing the Parr family back for another superhero adventure.

The movie arrives June 16, 2028.

Then came Coco 2, with new concept art showing Miguel as a teenager and the return of Ernesto de la Cruz.

Coco 2 is scheduled for November 2029.

Pixar also unveiled two original films: Ghost Market, a supernatural adventure set in Hawaiʻi, and Gatto, an animated story about a street-smart cat navigating Venice.

Star Wars Is Ready for Takeoff

Star Wars fans weren’t left out.

Ahsoka Season 2 received a new teaser, with Rosario Dawson returning as the legendary Jedi.

The second season premieres on Disney+ January 20, 2027.

Then Ryan Gosling took the stage to promote Star Wars: Starfighter, the upcoming theatrical adventure directed by Shawn Levy.

The film opens May 28, 2027.

Zootopia 3 Is Happening

Another huge Disney Animation surprise: Zootopia 3 is officially in early development.

Disney Animation also revealed Clay, a new original animated adventure starring Kieran Culkin, while Disney’s Hexed received major casting announcements featuring Hailee Steinfeld, Walton Goggins and Jodie Foster.

Frozen 3 Ends D23 With a Huge Surprise

Disney saved one of its biggest moments for the finale.

Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel and Josh Gad took the stage for a Frozen 3 celebration featuring new music and brand-new animation.

And then came the surprise.

The footage teased a mysterious new villainess whose powers could rival Elsa’s.

Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven are all returning for the next adventure.

Frozen 3 arrives November 24, 2027.

D23 2026 Is Only Getting Started

The announcements inside the Honda Center were only part of the experience.

D23 2026 also features the largest show floor in D23 history, packed with immersive attractions, exclusive merchandise, collectibles, panels and behind-the-scenes experiences.

Disney also announced that the massive Mundo Pixar Experience will make its U.S. debut in 2027.

The Disney-F1 Fuel the Magic partnership has also been extended through 2028.

Disney’s Future Has Never Looked Bigger

From the return of beloved favorites to the introduction of an entirely new generation of Marvel mutants, D23 2026 proved that Disney is thinking bigger than ever.

The X-Men are coming. Avengers: Doomsday is almost here. Star Wars is expanding. Pixar is bringing back beloved franchises. Frozen is returning. And Disney Animation has even more surprises waiting.

After everything revealed at D23, one thing is clear:

The future of Disney is looking absolutely massive, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

Which D23 announcement are you most excited for: the new X-Men cast, Avengers: Doomsday, Star Wars: Starfighter, Frozen 3, Coco 2, or something else?